Platypi are back with thrilling 20-15 win over Cowra

The in-form Eagles had won three games in a row, but the blues were ready for their visitors and Saturday saw a competitive game before a vocal crowd.

“We had a bit of fire in our bellies,” captain Jack Hammond said afterwards.

“We came into Saturday knowing that our season was on the line … we had that sense of urgency and that showed in the way we played.

“I was a bit sore on Sunday, it was physical.”

While there was the knowledge of their need to start to build points at this stage of competition, the Platypi were also definitely boosted by the return of Country representatives Mahe Fangupo and Charlie French after a win with the Cockatoos.

Trundle’s Adam Hall and Blake Ridges were also available, lifting the backs.

The captain also mentioned Tohi Nuispepa who returned to good form after a few weeks of niggling injuries. 

Scoring was blow-for-blow in the first half: Cowra opened the scoring for a 5-0 lead, Forbes’ Henry Nash went over in the corner to level the scores.

Cowra’s Joe Dakuitoga made his way over the line after a prolonged tussle on the visitors’ line, and Forbes’ Jarrod Hall managed to get his arm – and the ball – over the line through the legs of Cowra defenders.

The scores were locked at 12-all at half time and it was clear both sides wanted the win badly.

Cowra added first points in the second half – awarded a penalty in front of the posts to go to 15-12.

Play went back and forth in the centre of the field for minutes before Forbes’ Grant Rees was able to  break free and run down the sideline.

He evaded his Cowra pursuer and dove over in the corner to give the hosts the lead for the first time in the game.

Cowra made a similar break a few minutes later, but halfback Mahe Fangupo had him in his sights from across the field and intercepted with a flying tackle just short of the tryline.

“That just epitomised our urgency,” Hammond said. “We weren’t going to let them have any easy points.” 

The tussle continued until full time, with the only extra points a penalty awarded to Forbes to give them the 20-15 win.